Beverage accessory device with arm and related methods

ABSTRACT

A beverage accessory device is for improving a beverage in a beverage container having an opening. The beverage accessory device may include a body portion having distal and proximal ends, the distal end to be received by the opening of the beverage container, and an arm extending from the distal end and protruding into the beverage within the beverage container.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon prior filed copending application Ser. No. 61/726,689 filed Nov. 15, 2012, the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a food preparation device, and more particularly, to a food preparation device for improving beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nearly two-thirds of adult Americans consume alcoholic beverages. Given a large customer base, the U.S. alcoholic beverage industry is responsible for over $20 billion in annual revenue in 2012. Although commercial sales and consumption of alcohol is quite popular, the majority of consumption is within homes or other private venues. The most popular forms of alcohol consumed in private venues are beer, wine, and spirits (i.e. liquors).

This large private customer base has also led to a commensurate accessory industry. Some common accessories for wine and spirits include wine aerators, wine bottle tops, and specialty beverage containers. One popular accessory device is an aging device, i.e. a device that enhances an alcoholic beverage by emulating the aging process. Typically, alcoholic beverages are aged within wood or steel barrels. The aging process may range in time duration from a few months to many years.

During the flavoring and aging process, alcohol reacts with the wood in the barrel to produce a better flavored alcohol. These barrels are stored in facilities and warehouses, which may need constant care with regards to their rotation and position in the warehouses. This constant care and the length of time these barrels spend in the warehouse may be costly to the manufacturer. Alcohols, such as wine, whiskey, and brandy, are aged according to manufacturer's best practices and are then sold to the consumer as a final product.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,194 to Gos discloses a method of accelerating the aging process of whiskey with pieces of oak wood and apple juice. The method of Gos may not be suitable for home aging because of the unfavorable appearance of the wood pieces and the difficult removal thereof from smaller containers. U.S. Pat. No. 2,119,234 to Krebs et al. also discloses a method of accelerating the aging process for whiskey. The method includes adding oak wood shavings during the maturation process. The method of Krebs et al. may not be readily used by the consumer at home.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,350,708 to Ruiz de Palacios discloses a method of accelerating the aging process of an alcohol beverage by the addition of oak wood shavings to the distillate during the aging process. U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,656 to Duggins discloses a method for aging an alcoholic beverage. This method includes adding particles of charred oak wood to the alcohol beverage to accelerate the aging process thereof.

One approach to a beverage aging device may comprise placing a piece of charred wood in a bottle to flavor alcohol beverage therein. This method can produce a good taste, but the wood piece may be difficult to remove and can cause problems for the consumer. Although a consumer may mix a drink, they have no means to further the aging process on their own, or in the case of an un-aged spirit, start the process from scratch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a beverage flavoring device that is robust and readily used at home by the consumer.

This and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with the present invention are provided by a beverage accessory device for improving a beverage in a beverage container having an opening. The beverage accessory device may include a body portion having distal and proximal ends, the distal end to be received by the opening of the beverage container, and an arm extending from the distal end and protruding into the beverage within the beverage container, thereby the arm is immersed in the beverage when the distal end is received by the beverage container.

More specifically, the arm may extend longitudinally into the beverage container and comprise at least one longitudinal slot therein. The distal end may comprise a stud extending longitudinally therefrom and have a threaded external surface, and the arm may comprise a recess having a threaded surface for threadingly engaging the stud.

Additionally, the beverage accessory device may further comprise a filter coupled to the distal end for surrounding the arm. In some embodiments, the distal end may comprise a compressible material for providing a pressure based seal with the opening of the beverage container. In other embodiments, the distal end may comprise a circumferential flange having a threaded internal surface for engaging a threaded end of the beverage container.

Moreover, the proximal end may comprise a recess having a threaded surface. The beverage accessory device may further comprise a decorative handle piece to be threadingly received by the threaded surface of the recess. For example, the arm may comprise at least one of white oak, French oak, red oak wood, maple wood and apple wood.

Another aspect is directed to a method of making a beverage accessory device for improving a beverage in a beverage container having an opening. The method may include forming a body portion having distal and proximal ends, the distal end to be received by the opening of the beverage container, and coupling an arm to extend from the distal end and protrude into the beverage within the beverage container, thereby the arm is immersed in the beverage when the distal end is received by the beverage container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a beverage accessory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a beverage accessory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a beverage accessory device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is diagram illustrating operation of the beverage accessory device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime and multiple prime notations are used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a beverage accessory device 10 according to the present invention is now described. The beverage accessory device 10 is for improving a beverage 12 in a beverage container 11 having an opening. In other words, the beverage accessory device 10 may enhance a flavor of the beverage 12 (i.e. emulating the effect of aging). In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage container 11 comprises a longneck bottle, but in other embodiments, the beverage container may comprise a mini-keg or carafe, for example.

The beverage accessory device 10 includes a body portion 13 having distal 15 and proximal 16 ends. The distal end 15 is to be received by the opening of the beverage container 11 (i.e. the bottle top). In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 15 comprises a compressible material 21 for providing a pressure based seal with the opening of the beverage container 11. For example, the compressible material 21 may comprise cork, rubber, or plastic.

The beverage accessory device 10 includes an arm 14 extending from the distal end 15 and protruding into the beverage 12 within the beverage container 11. For example, the arm 14 may comprise at least one of white oak, French oak, red oak wood, maple wood and apple wood. Also, the arm 14 may be embedded with one or more artificial or natural flavors. After immersion in the beverage 12 for a time period, the arm 14 may impart flavors onto the beverage.

The distal end 15 illustratively includes a stud 22 extending longitudinally therefrom and having a threaded external surface, and the arm 14 comprises a recess having a threaded surface for threadingly engaging the stud. In other embodiments, other methods for coupling the arm 14 to the distal end 15 may be used, such as an adhesive material or an interference mechanical lock, for example.

Accordingly, the arm 14 is immersed in the beverage 12 when the distal end 15 is received by the beverage container 11. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the arm 14 extends longitudinally into the beverage container 11 and comprises a longitudinal slot 23 therein. Advantageously, the longitudinal slot 23 increases the surface area contacting the beverage 12. In other embodiments, the longitudinal slot 23 may comprise a plurality thereof, and may take other shapes other than the illustrated rectangle shape.

The proximal end 16 illustratively includes a handle portion 17 for gripping by a user. Moreover, the proximal end 16 comprises a recess having a threaded surface. In this illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 17 comprises a decorative handle piece having a stud 18 with a threaded surface for threadingly engaging the threaded surface of the recess.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 2, another embodiment of the beverage accessory device 10′ is now described. In this embodiment of the beverage accessory device 10′, those elements already discussed above with respect to FIG. 1 are given prime notation and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this beverage accessory device 10′ has a body portion 13′ illustratively comprising a support portion (proximal portion) 16′, for example, disc shaped, and a seal portion (distal portion) 15′ coupled to the support portion. The support portion 16′ may comprise a rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and the seal portion 15′ may comprise a compressible material.

In this embodiment, the beverage accessory device 10′ works in cooperation with a top/cap 31′ of the beverage container 11′. For example, in screw top type containers, the beverage accessory device 10′ is first inserted into an opening of the beverage container 11′, and the top 31′ having a threaded surface threadingly engages the beverage container 11′ and provides a downward force that forms a compression based seal between the upper surface of the opening and the seal portion 15′. Additionally, the beverage accessory device 10′ further comprises a filter 24′ coupled to the distal end for surrounding the arm. In some embodiments, the filter 24′ may comprise a mesh screen surrounding the arm 14′.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the beverage accessory device 10″ is now described. In this embodiment of the beverage accessory device 10″, those elements already discussed above with respect to FIG. 1 are given double prime notation and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this beverage accessory device 10″ has a body portion 13″ comprising a distal end 15″ having a circumferential flange 26″ having a threaded internal surface 25″ for engaging a threaded end of the beverage container.

Another aspect is directed to a method of making a beverage accessory device 10 for improving a beverage 12 in a beverage container 11 having an opening. The method may include forming a body portion 13 having distal 15 and proximal 16 ends, the distal end to be received by the opening of the beverage container 11, and coupling an arm 14 to extend from the distal end and protrude into the beverage 12 within the beverage container, thereby the arm is immersed in the beverage when the distal end is received by the beverage container.

Referring now to FIG. 4, one of the main features of the beverage accessory device 10 is the non-mechanical pumping action. This is achieved by wicking fluid into the arm 14. Because the grain of the arm 14 is vertical, and the bottom of the arm is placed into the liquid, it wicks the fluid vertically above the fluid line throughout the whole piece of wood. The portion of the arm 14 above the water line allows for evaporation and dispersion via gravity. The evaporation of the fluid has a cooling effect which causes the fluid to drop back into the beverage container 11. The process is perpetual and continues. Although the process speed is not visible to the naked eye, it occurs in a 1-4 day period depending on the viscosity of the beverage 12. It is much quicker than the typical barrel aging method of transferring flavors. The barrel method transfers flavors via long changes in temperature usually associated with the changing in seasons. The charcoal of the wood and its fiber provide additional filtering of unwanted tastes and particles. This process works similar to how a tree absorbs water in the ground and lifts the nutrients to the branches and leaves.

Generally speaking, an item and artificial process used together to simulate the alcohol aging and flavoring in a sealed container is disclosed. The container top is unique device because it allows the connection of a wood dowel and an ornamental item. The wood dowel or “flavor stick,” is cut and drilled to increase its surface area, which allows for better transfer of tannins and flavor enhancements. The item is further enhanced by removing alcohol on an annual basis to artificially simulate evaporation known as “angel's share.”

The present disclosure's embodiments possess numerous benefits and advantages over known barrel aging and sealed container processes. In particular, it utilizes a sealed aging process that eliminates evaporation while maintaining a declining wood to alcohol ratio that occurs naturally during evaporation while in a barrel. Maintaining a declining alcohol to wood ratio during the process is favorable as it increases the flavor profile and aids to aging of the alcohol. The artificial annual removal of alcohol allows for the capture and use the alcohol that would have evaporated, making this process more efficient and desirable. By removing the barrel from the aging process, manufacturers will no longer incur the cost of the barrel, alcohol lost due to evaporation, filling the barrels, inspecting the barrels, barrel rotation, and a storage facility. This may also result in end user cost reductions.

Moreover, this beverage accessory device 10 gives the consumer more control over the taste of the alcohol with the use of “flavor sticks.” Flavor sticks (i.e. arm 14) are dowels with cuts and holes in them to allow for a greater surface area and attach to the removable top. The flavor sticks can be made of any food grade wood, and infused with different flavor profiles. The flavor sticks are removable and allow the end user to change or remove them for more or less complex flavor profiles. These flavor sticks may also be used to continue the aging process of pre-aged alcohols.

The middle section design depends on the type of bottle used, i.e. primarily whether the container is a cork sealed bottle (FIG. 1) or a screw top sealed bottle (FIGS. 2-3). If it is a cork sealed bottle, the middle section will a solid piece of food grade material that connects a removable flavor stick to the top. A bottle cork will surround its main body. The cork will create a seal between the bottle and middle section, thereby creating an alcohol proof seal. The ornamental top may be attached, and may comprise a separate piece or one solid piece of the middle section and top together.

On a screw bottle, there are two different types of middle sections that may be used. The first does not use a top (FIG. 2). It is flat on its top side. The bottom has a male connector that allows for the attachment of a removable flavor stick. A seal materiel is used between the bottom side of the flat top to create a seal between the middle section and the bottle. The flat top of the middle section is thin enough to then allow for the original top to be screwed onto the bottle to create a seal between the middle section and the bottle. The second type (FIG. 3) replaces the screw top. There is an orifice in the top of the middle to allow for an ornament to be attached. The middle piece is a screw top with a materiel seal between the middle section and the bottle. The bottom section has a connector that allows for the flavor stick to be attached and removed.

The top has an orifice for attachment of an ornament. This ornament can be of any sculpture, casting, or machining process. It is designed to represent the celebratory event. The top may be of solid metal or plated in different exotic metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, copper, and nickel. Different jewels may also adorn the top, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, birthstones, and their artificial counterparts such as fake diamonds.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, a beverage flavoring device according to the present invention is now described. The beverage flavoring device illustratively includes a carrier group top holding a removable flavor stick with a screw formed on the container top. In other embodiments, the flavor stick may be attached to the top using one or more of a glue, an epoxy, and a pressure based fitting. Also, the flavor stick may comprise a plastic portion that may be integrally molded with the top. The flavor stick is attached to the screw. The flavor stick has at least one opening drilled through the bottom to increase surface area and allow the transfer of flavors. The flavor stick has slots cut into the wood to increase surface area and allows the transfer of flavors.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, an ornament is held in place by a screw that has been formed on the ornament, which connects to the screw orifice in the container top. The ornament may come in many different shapes and sizes to symbolize an event, celebration or personal art. In this embodiment, the bottle top is sealed with an artificial or natural cork.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, in these embodiments, the container top includes a seal portion to seal the container. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 2, an optional filter material surrounds the flavor stick. The container top in FIG. 2 is meant to be used between a container and the original manufacturer container top (e.g. screw top) and provides a gas seal.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the container top has a screw type top. Flavor profiles of the “flavor sticks” can come in many different profiles, both natural and artificial. Different varieties of food grade wood types, such as white oak, French oak, red oak, maple and apple wood, both charred and un-charred may be used for natural flavors. More examples could be, but not limited to, wood soaked in liquids such as apple juice, vanilla, and caramel. For artificial infused flavors, used wood from old barrels may be used, such as wood from wine, whiskey, scotch, brandy, cognac and scotch barrels. This would also include artificially made flavors infused into the various types of woods, such as lemon, lime, raspberry, pomegranate, cherry and orange extracts.

These “flavor sticks” then may be placed into the sealed container by the end consumer when they choose to start the aging flavor process. These flavor sticks may be added, changed, or removed to allow for different recipes and flavor profiles to the liking and desire of the end consumer. The end consumer may also choose to add different flavors to the same bottle. The multitude of different flavors available to the consumer with this product is exponential. For example, a consumer may choose to age 1 year with charred American oak, the next 2 years with cognac infused French oak, and 6 months with wood soaked in orange extracts. The length of time the flavor sticks spends in the bottle may determine the amount of flavor the consumer wants from that specific flavor stick. A short time would represent a wanting of a “hint” of flavor, and a longer time would suggest a desire for a stronger flavor.

All of these different flavor profiles allow for the consumer to create different recipes similar to cooking at home, creating a multitude of new and different types of distillates and flavor profiles, exponentially increasing the various options available for consumers to create. Consumers are now limited to the flavors that are sold by manufactures with little or no ability to change the flavors. By increasing the options available for the consumer, the consumer may create new distillates and foods as alcohol is used in some food recipes.

The flavor sticks may come in many different sizes and shapes depending on the size of the bottle, the spirit being used, and the length of time desired in the flavor process. The surface area of the flavor stick to the amount of alcohol is a key factor in how the aging flavoring process takes place. The surface area (considering a stick of equal overall volume) may be increased or decreased to obtain the desired effectiveness of the flavor stick. By increasing the surface area of the flavor stick, you can increase the transfer rate of tannins and flavors. By making it smaller, the rate of tannins and flavors available to be transferred is reduced. This rate reduction may allow for more aging of the alcohol with less flavors and tannins transferred. The size and the cuts in the flavor stick are dependent on the flavor being transferred and the size of the container. Flavors that are more difficult to transfer to the alcohol from the flavor stick would require more surface area. A larger container requires more surface area than a smaller container. The preferred surface to container volume ratio is 20-60 cm² per liter.

Example Implementation

This process of aging by the consumer may also allow for new types of uses for distillates with a result of increased sales. One example of this is a distillate that is not aged and sold to the consumer. The product, with an ornamental top, and a flavor stick may be placed in the bottle at the time of a notable celebration (there by starting the flavor aging process), such as a wedding, new job, christening of a ship, building, purchase, or notable event. Each year, the consumer can celebrate the anniversary by removing two, 1½ ounce shots annually and consuming the shots together, in the form of shots or in a food recipe, as a couple in celebration of another good year together. Each year, the alcohol flavor profile gets better as the distillate ages with the marriage. As the marriage gets better with each year so does their celebratory alcohol with the flavor sticks that they added at their reception of their wedding. The adding of the flavor sticks starts the flavoring process.

This could replace the typical cake topper that newlyweds now place in a freezer for a year and are supposed to take a bite of and eat. Frozen cake lasts for about 3 weeks. After that, the composition of the cake starts to break down and flavors change becoming undesirable. This makes the cake topper tradition, an exercise in bravery, and not a very good representation of the marriage. This should become a new tradition that is made possible by the disclosed device. Newlyweds will be able to celebrate their wedding anniversary for years with an item from their wedding that is changing with time just like their marriage is also changing with time. Aged alcohol is preferable and more enjoyable, making for a better celebratory item and event that can last as long if not longer than the marriage.

A flavor stick bottle top group comprising of a carrier that holds a flavor stick used in the flavoring and aging of alcohols, wherein the bottle top connects to the flavor stick, which may be surrounded by a filtering material, a gas tight seal is on the bottom of the bottle top for screw top bottles or for cork type containers cork would surround the bottom portion of the bottle top to provide a gas tight seal, the bottle top may have an orifice or tapped for screws, for connecting ornamental tops.

A method of aging and flavoring alcohol in a sealable container may comprise:

A. adding alcohol to a sealable container; B. adding a shaped wooden flavor stick to a flavor stick carrier; C. adding an ornament to the flavor stick carrier; D. adding or removing the completed carrier group to the alcohol and sealing the container; E. aging and flavoring alcohol for a period of time; F. removing alcohol that would have normally evaporated from a wood barrel; G. using the saved alcohol, which may be for the purpose of anniversary celebrations, consumption, or use; H. whereby said alcohol after aging and flavoring the taste changes each year; I. whereby the flavor stick may be removed, changed or left in place during the process; and J. whereby the process may be stopped or started at any time.

The method of collecting “angels share” evaporation alcohol that was artificially removed on a yearly basis may be used such as for the purpose of annual anniversary celebrations, such as wedding anniversaries comprising:

A. place alcohol in the container; B. place flavor stick group into container; C. age alcohol for one year; D. remove 3 ounces of alcohol by pouring it into two, 1 ounce shot glasses; E. consume alcohol by drinking the shots or by placing it in a food recipe; F. repeat steps B through E until all alcohol has been used; and G. if the celebration is an everlasting event, 3 ounces of alcohol may be added to continue the aging and flavoring to the desired taste, in which case it may be stopped, to create a volume that remains constant.

The method wherein the flavor stick is shaped to allow an easily removable connection to the bottle top. The method wherein the flavor stick is shaped to increase its surface area to improve transfer of flavors from the flavor stick to the alcohol. The method wherein the flavor stick may be of new, used, charred, or flavor infused wood. The method wherein the flavor stick may be surrounded by a filter material to filter out unwanted particles, yet still allow the transfer of flavor and aging. The method wherein the bottle top provides for a gas tight seal between the bottle and bottle top via either cork, artificial cork or a seal for screw type bottles. The method wherein the bottle top allows for a personalized ornamental piece to be connected to the bottle top. The method wherein the bottle top is used to connect to the flavor stick to allow for easy removal.

The method wherein adding or removing from an intentionally shaped wooden flavor stick may be used in the method of aging and flavoring alcohol at a location of choice by the end user or consumer. The method wherein the method in which the end user or consumer can develop flavor profiles, make recipes, start and stop the aging process of alcohol at the location of their choice in a sealed container. The method whereby the “angels share” evaporation is removed to maintain wood to alcohol ratios favorable to aging and adding flavor, which may be collected and saved for use. The method whereby the collected “angels share” evaporation alcohol that was artificially removed on a yearly basis may be used for the purpose of annual anniversary celebrations, such as wedding anniversaries. The method wherein a flavor stick may be comprised of any combination of wood, new, used, charred or un-charred, with flavors infused with, but not limited to flavors such as fruits and spices in natural, unnatural, artificial, and concentrated flavors.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A beverage accessory device for improving a beverage in a beverage container having an opening, the beverage accessory device comprising: a body portion having distal and proximal ends, the distal end to be received by the opening of the beverage container; and an arm extending from the distal end and protruding into the beverage within the beverage container, thereby the arm is immersed in the beverage when said distal end is received by the beverage container.
 2. The beverage accessory device of claim 1 wherein said arm extends longitudinally into the beverage container and comprises at least one longitudinal slot therein.
 3. The beverage accessory device of claim 1 wherein said distal end comprises a stud extending longitudinally therefrom and having a threaded external surface; and wherein said arm comprises a recess having a threaded surface for threadingly engaging said stud.
 4. The beverage accessory device of claim 1 further comprising a filter coupled to said distal end for surrounding said arm.
 5. The beverage accessory device of claim 1 wherein said distal end comprises a compressible material for providing a pressure based seal with the opening of the beverage container.
 6. The beverage accessory device of claim 1 wherein said distal end comprises a circumferential flange having a threaded internal surface for engaging a threaded end of the beverage container.
 7. The beverage accessory device of claim 1 wherein said proximal end comprises a recess having a threaded surface.
 8. The beverage accessory device of claim 7 further comprising a decorative handle piece to be threadingly received by the threaded surface of the recess.
 9. The beverage accessory device of claim 1 wherein said arm comprises at least one of white oak, French oak, red oak wood, maple wood and apple wood.
 10. A beverage accessory device for improving a beverage in a beverage container having an opening, the beverage accessory device comprising: a body portion having distal and proximal ends, the distal end to be received by the opening of the beverage container; an arm comprising at least one longitudinal slot therein, said arm extending longitudinally from the distal end and protruding into the beverage within the beverage container, the proximal end including a handle portion for gripping by a user, thereby the arm is immersed in the beverage when said distal end is received by the beverage container; and a filter coupled to said distal end for surrounding said arm.
 11. The beverage accessory device of claim 10 wherein said distal end comprises a stud extending longitudinally therefrom and having a threaded external surface; and wherein said arm comprises a recess having a threaded surface for threadingly engaging said stud.
 12. The beverage accessory device of claim 10 wherein said distal end comprises a compressible material for providing a pressure based seal with the opening of the beverage container.
 13. The beverage accessory device of claim 10 wherein said distal end comprises a circumferential flange having a threaded internal surface for engaging a threaded end of the beverage container.
 14. The beverage accessory device of claim 10 wherein said proximal end comprises a recess having a threaded surface.
 15. The beverage accessory device of claim 14 wherein said handle portion comprises a decorative handle piece to be threadingly received by the threaded surface of the recess.
 16. A method of making a beverage accessory device for improving a beverage in a beverage container having an opening, the method comprising: forming a body portion having distal and proximal ends, the distal end to be received by the opening of the beverage container; and coupling an arm to extend from the distal end and protrude into the beverage within the beverage container, thereby the arm is immersed in the beverage when the distal end is received by the beverage container.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the arm extends longitudinally into the beverage container and comprises at least one longitudinal slot therein.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the distal end comprises a stud extending longitudinally therefrom and having a threaded external surface; and wherein the arm comprises a recess having a threaded surface for threadingly engaging the stud.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising coupling a filter coupled to the distal end for surrounding the arm.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the distal end comprises a compressible material for providing a pressure based seal with the opening of the beverage container. 